Mineral Mountain

Mineral Mountain Hike

August 15th, 2004

This is southeast of Phoenix about 60 miles on desert pavement so the driving is extremely rough and tedious. Lots of narrow, almost impassible..in some cases impassible trails so familiar to those who go off road in Arizona. The jeep got turned around on several occasions as we ran into 15' drop-offs, dangerously steep hills and missing chunks of a trail. We left at 4:30 AM and returned at 7:30 PM, worn out by the heat and exertion of the hike. We knew it was going to be hot so we traveled early. Long, hot day (110 degrees!) but fun. Around every corner, there's a surprise!

Numerous caves, washouts, an abandoned corral, abandoned mines all point to the rugged environment even the toughest people vacated. What would possess people to live out here? No water available in August, let alone May through July. The mines were unsuccessful but they left their fingerprints in their attempt to find riches.

You'll see why you do not venture into the desert unprepared. I wish I could give you a scale for the size of these peaks. This is south of the Superstitions. If you got lost down here, no one would find you...ever! As the monsoon clouds began to develop, wisely, we headed out. As you can see by the photos, this is flash flood country. Interesting once in lifetime experience.

High view of where we're headed.	Rock formations	These peaks are hundreds of feet high.
	Abandoned ranch with a corral and shelter	Looking east
Looking north	Fenced area	Fence shot to the south. This whole area is about 25 miles on some of the most treacherous road we've ever covered.
End of the trail. Now, we're on foot.	The overgrown road.	A better close-up.
Around the corner	The only stream of water we saw all day from the recent monsoon rains. It ran so slowly, algae covered the rocks but it was a pleasant surprise. Cool breezes and needed shelter from the burning sun. No drinking water here unless you are desperate!	Between the first canyon walls.